Sampson Community College hosting creative art classes

Classes from Smith to begin soon

Through his knowledge and love of art, Walt Smith is looking forward to teaching it to others.

Sampson Community College (SCC) is hosting creative art classes with Smith. Sessions through the college’s Continuing Education Division are scheduled to begin Jan. 12 and will continue through May 3 in room 112 of the maintenance building, 1801 Sunset Ave., Clinton.

Smith has numerous years of education under his belt with Harrells Christian Academy, Dunn Middle School and SCC. He said the essence of the upcoming class will involve people leaning regardless of their experience.

“(It also includes) giving them ideas about what will be a good direction to go in with what they appear to be interested in doing,” Smith said regarding the diversity of art being taught in the class.

After graduating Davidson College, Smith joined the Marine Corps an served for more than 20 years. While serving in the military, he rekindled his passion for art which began many years ago.

“When I was a child growing up in Dunn, I just enjoyed drawing,” Smith said. “My mother encouraged me and got drawing books for me and so forth.”

He later earned a studio arts degree from the University of South Carolina and a master’s in fine arts from American University in Washington, D.C.

During the class, Smith will teach students about techniques such as drawing, oil painting, acrylics and water colors. He noted that instruction is individualized which allows participants to pick their subject matters or objectives. Also, the level and pace of instruction will be based on experience, ability and goals. Classes are also non-competitive and geared towards future participation and achievement.

“We have a good camaraderie in the class,” Smith said about students in the class. “The classes are not taught structured and people work independently and students are free to work among themselves.”

From Jan. 12 through May 4, classes are scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. or 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays; and 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. The registration fee is $65 and students are responsible for providing their own supplies. It was also noted by college officials that the program is a self-supported course where students pay a pro-rated share of cost and can only be conducted if attendance on the first meeting meets a minimum requirements. Therefore, it’s important for participants to attend the class.

Smith also anticipates having classes in the summertime as well.

For more information regarding the upcoming classes, contact Smith at 910-814-7327 or by email at [email protected] Coordinator Aleta Whaley and Administration Assistant Amanda Raynor of SCC may be reached at 910-592-7176 for additional information regarding attendance, registration forms and payments.

Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.